Make sure there are no ticks this Halloween

Dawn Renton

With the spooky season just around the corner, and more than masked monsters wandering the streets, it’s important to check your home security is up to scratch.

Research has revealed that burglaries and malicious domestic damage increases by 160 per cent during the Halloween period, with Bonfire Night statistically the worst night of the year for burglaries and car theft.

This is mainly down to opportunistic burglars who take advantage of the dark nights, fancy dress costumes, noise and distractions, and clearly highlights the importance of keeping your home protected.

To avoid being disturbed at all over Halloween, display a preventative ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign on your front door (available from most local police constabularies). However, if you do want to enjoy the festivities safely, the security experts at Yale have shared some advice to help protect your home and treasured possessions this party season.

As obvious as it sounds, ensure doors and windows are locked securely, especially when going out for the evening. We often attend Halloween parties or bonfire displays and 20 per cent of us admit to leaving our front and back doors unlocked, and consequently our properties are left vulnerable to theft. Another useful tip is to utilise a spyhole or digital door viewer to see who is at the door, before opening to trick-or-treaters.

Alarm and CCTV systems are an excellent option for external security measures. In fact, research indicates that a property with a visible burglar alarm deters potential thieves, and they are also effective at alerting neighbours in case of a break-in.

Even though car theft is on the rise, 18 per cent of individuals who took part in a recent survey commissioned by The Telegraph admitted to leaving keys by their front door, which can then be easily ‘fished’ by burglars. To prevent any unsolicited ‘tricks’, invest in a letterplate restrictor to stop burglars hooking keys out from near your front door and entering your home or making off with your car.

Many outbuildings contain sought-after valuable items, as well as ladders and tools that could prove useful for a burglar in order to gain access to your home. Heavy-duty padlocks, hasps and staples are recommended to secure your shed, and anchor locks and cables can be used to secure individual items, making it far more difficult for potential thieves to grab your possessions.

In the build up to Halloween and Bonfire Night, you can find more tips, advice and products to protect your home at www.homesecuritymonth.com/

To find out more about Yale security solutions visit www.yale.co.uk. Alternatively like /YaleUK on Facebook, or follow @YaleSecurity on Twitter.